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Taxes›California›San Mateo County›East Palo Alto

East Palo Alto
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

Start with the recorded local taxes and permit overview for East Palo Alto, California. Check the current requirements for your exact address.

What you need to do in East Palo Alto

Checked against the source
  1. No action
    Short-term rentals are allowed in East Palo Alto

    The record lists no ban. Zoning and HOA rules for your address still apply.

  2. To do
    Get the East Palo Alto short-term rental license or registration

    Transient occupancy tax registration certificate required for taxable transient lodging.

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 12% East Palo Alto occupancy tax yourself

    The record says booking platforms do not collect it, so you add it to every booking, platform and direct, and pay it to the authority.

  4. To confirm
    Find out how often you file and when returns are due

    The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.

Verify each step with the authority before you file or apply. Source

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What to know.

The published guide for East Palo Alto lists 12% local occupancy tax. A license or registration is required.

At a glance.

Local tax
12%
State tax
Local only
License
Required
Local filing
You collect and remit
SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

Tax details

Exemptions, penalties, filing information, and effective dates from the linked sources.

East Palo Alto: Recorded exemptions

East Palo Alto (verified 2026-10-12): official code Ch. 3.68 (TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX) confirmed via municode library; current 12% rate confirmed : Palo Alto Online (Nov 4, 2020) reports the existing 12% TOT and that Measure V (raise to 14% by 1/1/2023) failed to reach the two-thirds threshold. Filed 1200 matches

Source for these notes: library.municode.com: code of ordinances

Platform tax collection guidance for East Palo Alto

Collection is shown separately for each booking channel. Direct-booking taxes are paid by the host.

PlatformStateLocal
AirbnbNoneYou collect and remit
VrboNoneYou collect and remit
Booking.comNoneYou collect and remit
DirectNoneYou collect and remit

Platform collects means the platform pays that tax. You collect and remit means you pay it. Collection details unavailable identifies a missing answer for that channel. Filing duties are listed separately.

Your next steps

  • Get the required license or registration

    Apply for the required license or registration with the licensing office before you list.

  • Collection of the 12% local tax

    You collect and remit this tax using the linked filing instructions.

  • File your tax returns

    Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.

Sources & confidence

How we collect and check this information · Report a problem with this page

FigureValueSourceStatus
East Palo Alto occupancy tax12%
Source
Source linked
California local lodging tax guidanceLocally administered
Source
Source linked
Licensing recordRequired
Source
Source linked
Official sources for the taxes and permit requirements shown above.

East Palo Alto STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my East Palo Alto occupancy taxes?

You collect and remit this tax for Airbnb and direct bookings.

Do I need a license to Airbnb in East Palo Alto?

A license or registration is required.

What happens if I don't file?

Penalties and interest depend on the tax and authority. Check the applicable rules and contact the authority about any missed filings or payments.

How often do I file?

Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.